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Swiss Airlines Sprays Carcinogenic Chemical on Passengers

Thirteen
days ago (March 29), I concluded a quick trip to Mumbai, India, where I enjoyed
the city, its people, and its culture.I was sitting calmly on board Swiss International Airlines Flight 155 that was going
to take me from Mumbai to Zurich, expecting the aircraft to take off momentarily.
Just when the door closed, the purser announced that according to the law, they
needed to spray the interior of the aircraft (including the passengers) against
insects.

Before I
could contact the flight attendants or say a word, it was a done deal.I was shocked.I called the flight
attendants and the purser and talked with them about this unfortunate event.

When I asked
what was the chemical used, I was told that it is Permethrin (see photo). Upon
researching what it is I found out that it is a known carcinogen. Here is some
information:

I told the
flight attendants and the purser that I expected to be notified about the
forthcoming spraying event before I purchased the ticket so I could have a
choice between being sprayed by a likely or known carcinogen and avoiding
flying with Swiss Airlines on this route.Furthermore, I asked according to what law they do it, Swiss, Indian, or
international?The purser said
that he does not know- he just read the text given to him.

Photo: A can (shown to me by one of the flight attendants on Swiss 155) that was used to spray the passengers and the aircraft on Swiss Airlines flight 155.

I was
wondering why does not Swiss Airlines spray the aircraft with less harmful
insecticide and then spray the entrance with insect repellent before the
passengers board?

I view this
incident quite seriously and I am of the opinion that by ignoring the possible effect on its passengers’ health, Swiss Airlines has shown a gross
irresponsibility and recklessness. I am sure I will not fly Swiss
Airlines again.